Summer seems to have finally arrived across Burton, Uttoxeter and South Derbyshire as the sun continues to make an appearance.

However, for some, the start of summer isn't such a good time as it usually meant itchy eyes and runny noses are just around the corner.

There are around 18 million people in the UK who suffer from hay fever, with more developing the symptoms each year.

The condition can occur at any age, even in people who have not previously shown signs of it.

Suffering from hay fever? (Image: Getty)

The symptoms of hay fever include runny eyes and nose, sneezing, itchiness, feeling run down and bunged up, and can be easily mistaken for a common cold. However, if you have itchy eyes, nose or throat, it's more likely to be hay fever.

To make sure the pollen doesn't ruin your fun in the sun, check out our tips on the best ways to get rid of hay fever.

1. Hot, hot curry

Going for the hottest curry on the menu can help – or if you’re making your own, go heavy on the spices.

Turmeric, an orange-yellow spice widely used in curries and South Asian cuisine, is believed to reduce inflammation caused by the enzyme phospholipase A2, which is provoked into action by pollen in your system.

Capsaicin, in chillies, helps open up the nasal passages and relieve that bunged up feeling.

Hay fever can put a downer on anyone's summer (Image: Getty)

2. Hanky panky

Yay - sex can help your hay fever. At the point of orgasm the sympathetic nervous system constricts blood vessels across the body and an Iranian neurologist has suggested that this could help with hay fever.

Has to be worth a shot, no? Just don’t try it if you have a sudden attack in the park.

3. The right salads

Capers, red onions and watercress contain high amounts of the natural anti-histamine quercetin, which can help reduce hay fever symptoms by blocking the effects of histamines.

Combine with pineapple, which contains bromelain, which helps the body to absorb quercetin.

Apples, tomatoes and oranges are rich in beta carotene, vitamin C and a substance called bioflavonoids.

These nutrients are anti-inflammatory agents and are said to boost the immune system.

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8. Chamomile tea

Coffee can exacerbate your symptoms, so swap it out for chamomile tea, which is a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory.

Drinking it is the best option, but if you don’t like the taste, you can just use the tea bags, soaked in boiling water then drained and chilled, straight on your eyes.

9. Clean sheets

Spending a night in a bed infected with pollen means you wake up up feeling rough (assuming you actually get to sleep).

So washing your bedsheets wash often as possible over the summer months will help ease symptoms and let you sleep better.

You might want to steer clear of hanging the sheets on the washing line though.

Don't let hay fever get in your way this summer (Image: Getty)

10. Barrier balm

One of the best ways to stop hayfever is by not inhaling pollen. Easy, right? But rather than not breathing, we suggest HayMax - a simple organic drug-free allergen barrier balm.

Apply it around your nostrils and the pollen sticks to the balm instead of going up your nose.

11. Throat and nasal sprays

Otrivine Allergy Relief 0.1% Nasal Spray . Newly launched it provides relief from a blocked itchy nose in minutes for up to 10 hours. This can be purchased from the following websites -

Prevalin. It’s free from antihistamine and steroids, meaning it’s OK for pregnant and breastfeeding women. "It lines the inside of the nose and creates a barrier blocking irritants. Plus it soothes the symptoms of histamine," says Alison.